Astell & Kern AK Jr. Hi-Res 64GB Music Player

The AK Jr is the starting point of music with the slimmest profile of any AK player at only .35 inches. Features include full single-layer DSD playback support (coverts to high-res PCM audio) and 64GB of internal flash memory plus Micro SD card slot.

The AK Jr project gives everyone the opportunity to comfortably listen to high resolution audio, anytime and anywhere. Although the Astell&Kern was a portable device, its relatively large size made it less convenient for some. The AK Jr's compact design delivers the highest sound quality while fitting comfortably in your pocket. The AK Jr is like carrying a small concert in your pocket.

Design Story

The AK Jr simplifies complex features of Hi-Fi audio to a smartphone-like experience. The simplified design exemplifies the original concept of the AK Jr. The raised screen provides secure grip and slims down the profile from 8.9mm to 6.9mm. The full aluminum body and textured aluminum volume wheel allows smooth one-handed operation.

Increased Output and Lowered Impedance

The AK Jr's output level of 1.95 VRMS represents a 14% increase over the AK100's 1.5 VRMS. Our engineers have reduced the output impedance to 2 Ohms for a significant gain in sound fidelity from the AK100's 22 Ohms. As the AK Jr supports many various types of earphones and headphones, a separate amplifier is unnecessary.

DSD to PCM

The AK Jr supports DSD, the digital audio format widely considered to be the next-generation in high resolution audio. Listen to a greater range of audio through DSD.

*The AK Jr converts 2.8 MHz DSD files to PCM.

USB DAC

The AK Jr can also function as an external DAC (sound card) when connected to a PC or Mac via USB. When playing music stored on a computer, the AK Jr delivers the same high level of audio quality while eliminating the need for a built-in sound card.

The AK Jr features a 3.1" LCD touchscreen that is about 1.4 times larger than the AK100's LCD. The smartphone-like full touch capabilities offer responsive interface and the larger screen displays more information. Album covers that are in a 4:3 format on the AK100 are now displayed 1:1 aspect on the AK Jr's larger screen.

64GB + 64GB microSD

The AK Jr features 64GB of memory to store more music than ever before. Supporting microSD cards up to 64 GB, the AK Jr is capable of offering a whopping total storage capacity of 128 GB! The combined 128GB of internal memory and external microSD card capacity is capable of holding more than 1,250 high resolution audio. (Based on one, 4-minute song @ 24 bit/96 kHz, taking up 90MB)

Pros: For the money can't beat the sound. I am an audio engineer and I like to review my mixes in high resolution while taking walks. I wanted a player that would load any of my mixes at high resolution and play back with utmost fidelity. This one fits the bill nicely.

Cons: Definitely needs the case. The edges are sharp, and the player is very light (a good thing) but would be easy for it to slip out of a shirt pocket. The case will help there.

Other Comments: No instructions on how to load playlists. Does the meta data require the music info to come via a site like Gracenote? The manual barely touches on the software aspect. A stand alone app to organize music for this player is something I would pay for.

Cons: Firmware is a little tricky to update, user manual is not located with other manuals takes some research to locate. There is no docking stand listed that can be used with this. There is no leather case that is listed by the manufacture that is can be used with this. I called the listed customer support number the phone rung was never answered. I did contact them by e mail only.

Other Comments: I am glad I purchased this music player, great quality and performance .

AK Jr. Hi-Res 64GB Music Player
The AK Jr is the starting point of music with the slimmest profile of any AK player at only .35 inches. Features include full single-layer DSD playback support (coverts to high-res PCM audio) and 64GB of internal flash memory plus Micro SD card slot.
Our Price: $499.00